Intrabony defects, open-flap debridement, and decortication: a randomized clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Regenerative Dentistry
• Oral Surgery

Background:

• Intramarrow penetration (IMP) is a technique used in regenerative periodontal surgery.
• Its specific benefits when combined with open-flap debridement (OFD) for intrabony defects are not well-documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the contribution of IMP to the outcomes of OFD in treating intrabony defects.
• To compare the clinical and radiographic results of OFD alone versus OFD with IMP.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 42 patients with chronic periodontitis and intrabony defects.
• Sites were randomized to either OFD alone (control) or OFD + IMP (test).
• Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed at baseline and 12 months post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and bone levels.
• The OFD + IMP group demonstrated significantly greater clinical bone gain (3.07 mm vs. 1.76 mm) and a higher prevalence of CAL gain ≥2 mm (93% vs. 62%).
• Benefits were more pronounced in mandibular defects, where OFD + IMP doubled radiographic bone gain.

Conclusions:

• The addition of IMP to OFD significantly enhances both clinical and radiographic outcomes for intrabony defects.
• IMP is a valuable adjunct to OFD for improving regenerative periodontal surgical results.